From haunted fortresses in Québec City to glow-in-the-dark parades in Whitehorse, Halloween on October 31st thrills Canadians of all ages. Trick-or-treaters don toques over their masks as they navigate ankle-deep snow on suburban streets, while adults seek out haunted corn mazes and spooky festivals under early winter skies.
Costumes & Wintery Tricks
- Layered disguises: Parkas over pirate coats, thermal leggings under fairy tutus—and a toque to match.
- Snow-proof makeup: Waterproof face paints and fake-blood gels ensure ghoulish looks survive chilly winds.
- Glowing accessories: LED jack-o'-lantern buckets, light-up wands and glow sticks keep kids visible in early dusk.
Haunted Attractions & Community Events
- Québec City Citadel: Haunted tours through ramparts, candlelit ghosts stories and evening ghost hunts.
- Toronto's Haunted House: Pop-up scare zones in abandoned warehouses, complete with actors and special effects.
- Whitehorse Parade: Glow-in-the-dark costume march along Main Street, followed by hot-chocolate socials.
- Rural corn mazes: Manitoba and Ontario farms carve spooky paths, with night-time flashlight runs and bonfires.
Treats & Seasonal Flavors
- Maple candy apples: Tart apples dipped in amber maple sugar—Canadian twist on toffee apples.
- Pumpkin spice everything: Lattes, donuts and even savory pumpkin-chili soups on café menus.
- Homemade goodies: Kid-baked sugar cookies, ghost-shaped shortbreads and spiced pumpkin muffins shared at school parties.
Safety & Snow-Day Tips
- Ensure reflective tape on costumes—early nightfall and snowy glare reduce visibility.
- Bundle trick-or-treaters in warm layers and waterproof boots for snowy sidewalks.
- Use LED candles or battery-powered lights in pumpkins to prevent fire hazards in wet conditions.
- Plan shorter routes or indoor trick-or-treat events in community centres if snowfall is heavy.